Dr. Arezina Kasti | Nutrition | Women Researcher Award

University General Hospital Attikon, Greece

Arezina Kasti is a highly experienced Registered Dietitian with three decades of clinical service and a strong focus on gastrointestinal nutrition. Currently a PhD candidate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, her research investigates the effectiveness of a Mediterranean-adapted Low FODMAP Diet in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with findings already published in reputable journals such as Nutrients and Microorganisms. She serves as a Senior Dietitian at a major public hospital in Greece and actively mentors dietetics students from multiple universities. Her academic involvement, specialized certifications, and consistent participation in national and international conferences reflect her dedication to both clinical excellence and scientific advancement. Her work bridges practical nutrition care and evidence-based research, making a meaningful impact in patient outcomes and dietary education. With her commitment to advancing gastrointestinal nutrition and mentoring the next generation, Arezina is a strong and deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

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Education🎓

Arezina Kasti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Harokopio University of Athens, completed in 1992, with clinical training at Tzaneio and Asklipieio General Hospitals. She pursued advanced studies in healthcare administration, earning a postgraduate diploma in Management in Health Services from the Hellenic Open University in 2003 and a second postgraduate diploma in Health Services Administration from the National School of Public Health in 2012. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing her doctoral research on the effectiveness of a Mediterranean-adapted Low FODMAP Diet for managing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Additionally, she has completed specialized training courses, including the internationally recognized Low FODMAP Diet course by Monash University and various programs in health services and mental health administration in both Greece and Italy. Her education reflects a comprehensive blend of clinical nutrition, public health, and academic research excellence.

Professional Experience📝

Arezina Kasti has amassed over 30 years of professional experience as a clinical dietitian, beginning her career in 1992 at Medijeunesse, a center for medical aesthetics. She then joined the National Health Service at the Mental Hospital of Leros, where she worked in the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from 1993 to 2004. Since 2004, she has served at the Attikon University Hospital in Athens, one of Greece’s largest tertiary public hospitals, and was promoted to Senior Dietitian in 2008. Her clinical focus centers on gastrointestinal diseases, nutritional therapy, and chronic disease management. In addition to her hospital work, she collaborates with educational institutions such as Harokopio University, Hellenic Mediterranean University, University of Thessaly, and Aegean College, supervising and mentoring dietetic students during their practical training. Her extensive experience, both in clinical care and academic mentorship, demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing dietetics practice and improving patient outcomes.

Research Interest🔎

Arezina Kasti’s research interests lie primarily in clinical nutrition, with a strong focus on gastrointestinal disorders, particularly Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Her PhD research investigates the integration of the Low FODMAP Diet with the Mediterranean diet—an innovative approach aimed at improving symptom management in IBS patients while maintaining nutritional adequacy. She is deeply interested in evidence-based dietary interventions for digestive health and has explored diverse topics such as nutritional strategies for chronic illnesses, nutritional support in intensive care units, and the impact of dietary adherence on metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. Her work often bridges clinical practice and research, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at international conferences. Arezina is also engaged in the development and validation of clinical tools for assessing dietary impact in gastrointestinal disorders. Her commitment to translational research underscores her goal of enhancing patient care through tailored dietary protocols and advancing nutritional therapy in gastrointestinal healthcare.

Award and Honor🏆

Arezina Kasti has earned recognition through her extensive contributions to clinical nutrition and dietetics over the past three decades. While she has not listed formal awards, her accomplishments reflect a high level of professional esteem and influence in her field. She has been invited to present her research at prestigious international conferences such as the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week and the Middle East Congress on Clinical Nutrition, showcasing her innovative work on gastrointestinal nutrition and chronic disease management. Her recent publications in respected, peer-reviewed journals—including Nutrients and Microorganisms—underscore her growing impact on academic research. Additionally, her role as a senior clinical dietitian at one of Greece’s top tertiary hospitals and her contributions as a mentor to university students reflect the trust and recognition she has earned within both clinical and academic communities. These achievements collectively highlight her as a dedicated and influential figure in dietetics and clinical nutrition.

Research Skill🔬

Arezina Kasti possesses a robust and well-rounded set of research skills, honed through decades of clinical practice and academic pursuit. She demonstrates expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials, as evidenced by her PhD research on the Mediterranean-Low FODMAP diet’s impact on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her methodological capabilities include randomized controlled trials, volatomics analysis, retrospective studies, and nutritional assessment tools. She is adept at translating clinical observations into structured research questions and producing evidence-based interventions with measurable outcomes. Arezina is also skilled in data collection, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and presenting findings at both national and international conferences. Her collaborations with multidisciplinary teams highlight her ability to integrate clinical nutrition with gastroenterology and public health. Furthermore, her involvement in the validation of diagnostic tools and her published literature in peer-reviewed journals reflect a deep understanding of research ethics, protocol development, and publication standards—making her a competent and impactful researcher in clinical nutrition.

Conclusion💡

Arezina Kasti is a highly suitable candidate for the Women Researcher Award, especially in categories that value clinical experience, translational research, public health impact, and education. Her work bridges the gap between dietary therapy and chronic gastrointestinal disease management. While more international leadership in research projects or policy could enhance her profile further, her consistent contributions and research trajectory make her an outstanding contender.

Publications Top Noted✍️

• Kasti AN, Nikolaki MD, Synodinou KD, Katsas KN, Petsis K, Lambrinou S, et al.
  The effects of stevia consumption on gut bacteria: friend or foe?
  Year: 2022 | Citations: 42

• Kasti AN, Synodinou KD, Pyrousis IA, Nikolaki MD, Triantafyllou KD.
  Probiotics regulating inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome modulation: a potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19
  Year: 2021 | Citations: 24

• Kasti A, Petsis K, Lambrinou S, Katsas K, Nikolaki M, Papanikolaou IS, et al.
  A combination of Mediterranean and low-FODMAP diets for managing IBS symptoms? Ask your gut!
  Year: 2022 | Citations: 21

• Synodinou KD, Nikolaki MD, Triantafyllou K, Kasti AN.
  Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics on COVID-19 infection by targeting the gut–lung axis microbial cross-talk
  Year: 2022 | Citations: 19

• Kasti AN, Theodorakopoulou M, Katsas K, Synodinou KD, Nikolaki MD, et al.
  Factors Associated with interruptions of Enteral Nutrition and the impact on macro-and Micronutrient deficits in ICU patients
  Year: 2023 | Citations: 12

• Kasti AN, Katsas K, Petsis K, Lambrinou S, Synodinou KD, Kapetani A, et al.
  Is the Mediterranean Low Fodmap Diet Effective in Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Gut Microbiota? An Innovative Research Protocol
  Year: 2024 | Citations: 7

• Nikolaki MD, Kasti AN, Katsas K, Petsis K, Lambrinou S, Patsalidou V, et al.
  The Low-FODMAP Diet, IBS, and BCFAs: Exploring the Positive, Negative, and Less Desirable Aspects—A Literature Review
  Year: 2023 | Citations: 7

• O’Brien L, Kasti A, Halmos EP, Tuck C, Varney J.
  Evolution, adaptation, and new applications of the FODMAP diet
  Year: 2024 | Citations: 6

• Kipouros M, Vamvakari K, Kalafati IP, Evangelou I, Kasti AN, Kosti RI, et al.
  The level of adherence to the ESPEN guidelines for energy and protein intake prospectively influences weight loss and nutritional status in patients with cancer
  Year: 2023 | Citations: 6

• Zavras N, Vaou N, Zouganeli S, Kasti A, Dimitrios P, Vaos G.
  The Impact of Obesity on Perioperative Outcomes for Children Undergoing Appendectomy for Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review
  Year: 2023 | Citations: 5

• Evangelou I, Vamvakari K, Kalafati IP, Kipouros M, Kasti AN, Kosti RI, et al.
  Depression and Anxiety Mediate the Associations between Nutritional Status, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer
  Year: 2023 | Citations: 3

• Vamvakari K, Evangelou I, Kalafati IP, Kipouros M, Kosti RI, Kasti AN, et al.
  Assessment of nutritional status using objective and subjective methods in Greek patients with cancer
  Year: 2023 | Citations: 3